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Biomedical subjects

G Long

Publications and source records attributed to G Long.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Ultrasound of the plantar aponeurosis (fascia).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the plantar aponeurosis origin (plantar fascia) using high-resolution ultrasound. DESIGN: The sonographic appearance of the plantar fascia in asymptomatic volunteers was compared with the appearance in: (1) clinical idiopathic plantar fasciitis, (2) inflammatory arthropathy without clinically active plantar fasciitis and (3) Achilles tendon or ankle ligament injury. Patients. There were 48 asymptomatic volunteers (96 heels), 190 patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis (297 heels), 35 with rheumatoid factor negative spondyloarthropathy (70 heels), 17 with rheumatoid arthritis (34 heels), 62 with clinical Achilles tendinitis (93 heels) and 17 with instability secondary to previous ankle ligament injury (17 heels). RESULTS: Compared with the asymptomatic volunteers, the symptomatic plantar aponeurosis demonstrated significant thickening in patients with clinically unilateral (P<0.001) and bilateral (P<0.001) idiopathic plantar fasciitis as well as in patients with spondyloarthropathy (P<0.001). However, the plantar aponeurosis on the asymptomatic side in patients with unilateral idiopathic plantar fasciitis (P<0.2), rheumatoid arthritis (P<0.2) and ankle injury (P<0.1) demonstrated no significant thickening. In patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis, abnormal plantar aponeurosis echogenicity was seen in 78% and subcalcaneal bone spurs in 24%. Peritendinous edema was present in 5% of all symptomatic heels, subcalcaneal bone erosion in 4% and intratendinous calcification in 3% of heels. Retrocalcaneal bursitis was present in 7% of patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis, 40% with spondyloarthropathy and 19% with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound allows confirmation of the clinical diagnosis in plantar fasciitis and may provide information as to its etiology.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1998

[G6PD gene mutations in Guangxi, China].

OBJECTIVE: Fifty-six G6PD-deficient male individuals of the Guangxi origin were investigated at the molecular level to understand the basis of G6PD deficiency. METHODS: PCR amplified the exons 2,5,6,7,8, 10,11,12 and 13 of the G6PD gene respectively, combined with ASO dot blot hybridization and restriction enzymes digestion methods to screen 10 common Chinese G6PD mutations. RESULTS: Six mutations were detected, namely cDNA1376(G-->T)(25.0%), cDNA1388(G-->A)(16.1%), cDNA95(A-->G)(19.8%), cDNA592 (C-->T)(7.1%), cDNA1024(C-->T)(1.8%) and cDNA392(G-->T) (1.8%). The unknown mutations accounted for 28.6%. cDNA1311(C-->T),cDNA1360(C-->T),cDNA835(A-->T), cDNA493(A-->G) and cDNA487(G-->A) were not discovered among the cases. CONCLUSION: The findings may provide some useful informations for physician scientists to get insight into the pathogenesis of G6PD deficiency so as to improve clinical diagnosis, prevention and cure of G6PD deficiency. The results may be of significance in anthropology and geneties as well.

Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1998

Uranyl nitrate: 91-day exposure and recovery studies in the male New Zealand white rabbit.

This study was undertaken to examine the reversibility of renal injury in the male New Zealand White rabbit subsequent to a 91-day exposure to uranyl nitrate (UN) in drinking water, followed by various recovery periods. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals were exposed for 91 days to UN in their drinking water (24 or 600 mg UN/L). Control groups were given municipal tap water (< 0.001 mg U/L). Regular clinical observations were recorded, and urine was collected periodically. Recovery periods between the last UN exposure and termination were 0, 8, 14, 45, or 91 days. Following the study, all animals were anesthetized and terminated by exsanguination, and multiple hematological and biochemical parameters were determined. Necropsies were conducted, and histopathological examination was performed. Exposure-related histopathological changes were observed only at much higher doses than in our previous male rabbit study where non-SPF-free animals had been used. Minor increases in kidney to body weight ratios were observed in the high-dose groups following exposure and early recovery. Renal tubular injury with degenerative nuclear changes, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and tubular dilation was seen in the high-dose group, without consistent resolution even after 91 days recovery. Animals ingested approximately 33% more uranium per day in this study than did males in a comparable dose group in the previous study, yet their kidney tissue uranium residues were 30% lower. These results suggest that SPF rabbits are less sensitive to uranyl injury than the non-SPF animals. The lowest-observed-adverse-effect level is estimated to lie at or below 24 mg UN/L.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Perceptual consequences of the interactions between spontaneous otoacoustic emissions and external tones. I. Monaural diplacusis and aftertones.

Research into monaural diplacusis has led to the concept of idiotones (tone-like stimuli of cochlea origin). Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) are tone-like stimuli generated by the cochlea and detected in the ear canal. In diplacusis, the existence of idiotones is inferred from disturbances of the perception of single tones. Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions are measured by placing a small microphone at the entrance to the ear canal. Many of the puzzling properties of the hypothesized idiotones are consistent with measurements of the interaction of SOAEs with external tones. The interactions of the SOAEs with external tones were analyzed acoustically. The perceptual properties evoked by 250 ms pulses (presented twice a second) of the acoustic stimuli used in the OAE experiments were systematically investigated. At some stimulus levels, all subjects reported the perception of a second tone alternating with the external tone. The relative pitch of this percept was consistent with the frequency of the SOAE. The frequency dependence of the signal levels needed for the percept had many aspects in common with the suppression tuning curves of the SOAEs. At lower levels of the external tone the subjects sometimes reported a perception of two simultaneous tones. This would be consistent with the subject detecting SOAEs when they are frequency shifted, but not suppressed. The consumption of aspirin by one subject reduced the SOAE into the noise floor and eliminated the monaural diplacusis.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1998

B mode ultrasonography--spectrum of paediatric ocular disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite having appropriate sonographic equipment available many radiologists remain unfamiliar with B mode sonography of the eye. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of B mode sonography of the paediatric eye. We illustrate the spectrum of eye abnormalities occurring in paediatric practice and the sonographic appearance of clinical entities for which sonography is appropriate. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed our experience of eye sonography within a paediatric radiology department over 8 years. A total of 212 sonographic examinations were performed on 206 eyes in 103 children, aged from 3 days to 16 years (mean 4.6 years). RESULTS: Sonography was well tolerated by the children, was a very useful imaging modality and was the only diagnostic imaging modality required in 94%. Supplementary computed tomography (CT) was performed in ten of 206 eyes (5%) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) was performed in two of 206 eyes (1%). CONCLUSIONS: B mode sonography is a very useful imaging modality for suspected ocular or orbital pathology in children and is often the appropriate first line investigation following clinical evaluation. Radiologists familiar with sonography of the eye can provide valuable support to their ophthalmology colleagues.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A comparative study of routine versus selective fetal anomaly ultrasound scanning.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cost-benefit of changing from selective (high risk) to routine ultrasound screening for fetal anomaly. SETTING: Women booked by general practitioners for primary antenatal care at their local hospital. METHODS: Prospective study of the 12 months before and after introduction of routine second trimester ultrasound for fetal anomaly at our institution. All congenital abnormalities, mode of detection, and outcome were recorded and a cost analysis of the programme attempted. RESULTS: In the 12 months of selective (high risk) ultrasound policy, detailed second trimester scans were performed in 1007 (26%) pregnancies. In the 12 months of routine ultrasound anomaly screening, scans were performed in 3529 (93%) pregnancies. Routine ultrasound was the sole method of detection for 11 major and 18 less severe congenital abnormalities found in low risk pregnancies which would not previously have qualified for high risk ultrasound. In seven of these cases the parents opted for termination of pregnancy, with estimated savings on treatment and long term care of 1,015,546 pounds. The financial cost of providing the ultrasound screening service at our hospital for 12 months was calculated at 57,573 pounds and the resulting financial benefit for the year was estimated at 957,973 pounds. CONCLUSION: Although it is recognised that many of the emotional and psychological costs and benefits of the service are difficult to evaluate, routine fetal anomaly ultrasound would seem to be economically justifiable. The financial savings achieved at our hospital would translate into a potential annual saving for the National Health Service of nearly 170 million pounds if screening were offered in all hospitals in England and Wales.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1998

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of chickenpox-related osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis is a recognized but uncommon complication of chickenpox. Very little published information is available regarding imaging of this condition, particularly regarding ultrasonographic appearances. We report two cases of young children who developed osteomyelitis after chickenpox infection in whom ultrasonography proved a valuable adjunct to clinical diagnosis. In both cases sonography demonstrated a subperiosteal abscess, confirming the diagnosis. Ultrasonography precisely defined the extent of the subperiosteal collection in order to guide surgical drainage. We believe ultrasonography to be a useful method of investigation in a child with limb or joint pain after chickenpox infection.

Chickenpox↗
PubMed1998

Rapid pathogen detection using a microchip PCR array instrument.

An array of PCR microchips for rapid, parallel testing of samples for pathogenic microbes is described. The instrument, called the Advanced Nucleic Acid Analyzer (ANAA), utilizes 10 silicon reaction chambers with thin-film resistive heaters and solid-state optics. Features of the system include efficient heating and real-time monitoring, low power requirements for battery operation, and no moving parts for reliability and ruggedness. We analyzed cultures of Erwinia herbicola vegetative cells, Bacillus subtilis spores, and MS2 virions, which simulated pathogenic microbes such as Yersinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis spores, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, respectively. Detection of microbes was achieved in as little as 16 min with detection limits of 10(5)-10(7) organisms/L (10(2)-10(4) organisms/mL).

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1997

Interobserver variation in the sonographic estimation of renal volume in children.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the interobserver variability in the sonographic estimation of renal volume in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three observer pairs measured the lengths and diameters of 176 kidneys in 90 children. Renal volumes were estimated from the formula for a prolate ellipsoid. The mean and standard deviation of the absolute and percentage differences between observers were calculated. The 95 % limits of agreement for each pair of observers were derived. Log-transformed data were used to derive overall limits of agreement. RESULTS: Absolute interobserver variation increased with renal volume. Percentage variation was independent of renal size. There is a 95 % probability that a measurement of renal volume by one observer will be between 0.69 and 1.44 times a measurement made by a different observer. CONCLUSION: The interobserver variation in the sonographic estimation of renal volume represents approximately 2-3 years' normal growth in children aged over 2 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Vibromyographic recording from human muscles with known fibre composition differences.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between the vibromyographic (VMG) frequency characteristics and fibre composition in postural and non-postural human muscle undergoing a standardised voluntary contraction. METHODS: Two human muscles with different fibre compositions [soleus: postural, mainly type I (slow) fibres; biceps brachii: non-postural, mixed type I and II (fast) fibres] were recorded from 18 healthy males isometrically contracting at 50% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Muscle vibrations were recorded using a contact microphone and the frequency content of the signals calculated using fast fourier transform algorithms. RESULTS: The non-postural biceps brachii showed predominantly bimodal power spectra with significantly increased power in the 10-30 Hz bands (P < 0.01), as compared with soleus recordings which tended to be unimodal, with the majority of power below 10 Hz. CONCLUSIONS: Muscles with a large proportion of type I fibres generate VMG signals which contain an increased percentage of low frequencies as compared to muscles with a mixed population of type I and type II fibres. The VMG appears to be generated, in part at least, by the mechanical twitching of motor units within the muscle; frequency domain analysis of this signal may provide a non-invasive measure of muscle fibre composition.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Determination of sertraline and desmethylsertraline in human serum using copolymeric bonded-phase extraction, liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The determination of the new antidepressant drug sertraline and its main metabolite, desmethylsertraline, in human serum is described. A new solid-phase extraction method employing the dual functionality Clean Screen cartridge is presented followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (LC) analysis. The sample preparation yielded extremely clean extracts and absolute recoveries in excess of 90% for both drugs from human serum. The response of the LC system was linear over the concentration range 0.01-2.5 mg/l for both sertraline and desmethylsertraline with a limit of detection of 0.01 mg/l. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) system is also described should confirmation of the drugs be necessary.

1-Naphthylamine↗
PubMed1994

Confirmation of benzodiazepines in urine as trimethylsilyl derivatives using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A confirmation procedure for the identification and quantitation of various benzodiazepines in urine is presented. The urine sample is first hydrolyzed enzymatically because of the glucuronide conjugation of some benzodiazepine metabolites, then extracted using bonded-phase columns. After elution into an organic solvent, the samples are evaporated, converted to the trimethylsilyl ether derivatives and analyzed by electron ionization GC-MS. Quantitation was performed using selected-ion monitoring for each benzodiazepine using prazepam as the internal standard. The method provides excellent linearity and sensitivity for the trimethylsilyl derivatives.

Benzodiazepines↗
PubMed1994

Isolated renal mucormycosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of isolated renal mucormycosis in a previously healthy man, and to briefly review the literature relating to this rare condition. CLINICAL FEATURES: An 18-year-old man presented with a two-month history of fevers followed by two weeks of severe left loin pain. Initial treatment with antibiotics failed and abdominal computed tomography and renal perfusion scans were requested, demonstrating a non-functioning left kidney. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Nephrectomy was performed, the histology of which was consistent with mucormycosis. Amphotericin B was administered for one month. The patient made a complete recovery and no underlying disorder was found. CONCLUSIONS: This man is believed to be the first reported Australian with isolated renal mucormycosis, and only the second person worldwide in whom an identifiable underlying disorder was absent.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Measurement of long-range2 13C-1H coupling constants of 95% uniformly 13C-labeled polysaccharide from Streptococcus mitis J22.

The coaggregation of Streptococcus mitis strain J22 in the early stages of dental plaque formation has been shown to result from interaction of cell wall polysaccharides with lectins on the surface of other oral bacterial species. This bacterium was grown in a medium containing 13C as the sole carbon source. We have isolated the lectin receptor polysaccharide from this strain with full enrichment in 13C and have determined a number of two-bond and three-bond 13C-1H coupling constants from measurements of the offsets in two-dimensional homonuclear nmr spectra [exclusive correlated spectroscopy (E-COSY) method]. A scheme for reliable extraction of these coupling constants from homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy spectra is tested in model compounds. We interpret the three-bond coupling across the glycosidic linkage in terms of dihedral angles in order to provide conformational information to supplement molecular modeling and nuclear Overhauser effect data. We show that the E-COSY method works well even for coupling constants smaller than the nmr line width and that a number of the 3JCH across the glycosidic linkage are in the range of 1-2 Hz, which is much smaller than many previously reported values.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗
PubMed1994

The Classroom Communication Ease Scale. Development of a self-report questionnaire for mainstreamed deaf students.

This study describes efforts to develop a self-report psychological scale (CCES: Classroom Communication Ease Scale) to provide information about the extent to which mainstreamed deaf students think that they communicate effectively with teachers and peers, as well as how they feel about their communication experiences in mainstreamed classrooms. Data obtained from administration of the CCES to 50 deaf students enrolled in baccalaureate programs at a postsecondary technical institution were subjected to Rasch rating scale analysis. Fit of data to the measurement model resulted in a set of 42 items that empirically define the concept of "communication ease" in its cognitive aspects and a set of 21 items that elaborate the concept further in terms of its affective aspects.

Adolescent↗